AFRICA: France proposed the UN Security Council back a West African force to combat terrorism, drug and human trafficking by “eradicating the actions” of Islamist militants and organized crime groups in the Sahel region.

AMERICAS: Brazil’s electoral court began hearings that could topple scandal-tainted President Michel Temer.

ASIA: South Korean President Moon Jae-in suspended the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system, signaling a less friendly approach to the US agenda.

EUROPE: The EU is ready to increase support for the bloc’s first ever defense research program.

MIDDLE EAST: Russia denied allegations that Russian hackers planted a fake news story within Qatar’s state news agency, causing a split between Qatar and other Arab nations.

TECHNOLOGY: Australia will push its “Five Eyes” intelligence partners – the US, UK, Canada and New Zealand – to crack down on encrypted technology in the global fight against terrorism.

TOP STORY

Iran: Islamic State group claims first attack inside Islamic Republic.

Attackers have opened fire at the Iranian parliament and Ayatollah Khomeini’s mausoleum in the capital, Tehran, causing a number of casualties.

The attackers were holding a number of hostages inside the highly-fortified parliament building.

At least seven people have been killed.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks, which are believed to be the terrorist group’s first major assaults within Iran’s borders.

The Iranian Intelligence Ministry said security forces had arrested a “terrorist team” planning a third attack, without giving further details.

Terrorist violence is rare in Iran, although analysts have said Tehran’s support for Syrian President Bashar Assad could make Iran a target for supporters of the Islamic State militant organization.

Region: France proposed the UN Security Council back a West African force to combat terrorism, drug and human trafficking by “eradicating the actions” of Islamist militants and organized crime groups in the Sahel region. (Reuters)